Toddler Injured By Wolf At Zoo As Parents Scrolled Phones

Couple charged with endangering child after incident at ZooAmerica in Hershey, Pennsylvania

Apr. 7, 2026 at 8:21pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a child's hand with visible wolf teeth marks, captured in a harsh, gritty style that conveys the seriousness of the incident without depicting graphic violence.A stark visual reminder of the consequences when parental supervision lapses at a public zoo exhibit.Lititz Today

A 17-month-old child was injured near a wolf enclosure at ZooAmerica in Hershey, Pennsylvania, after the parents allegedly became distracted by their cellphones and the toddler slipped through a barrier. The parents, from Lititz, Pennsylvania, have been charged with endangering the welfare of children.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the dangers of parental distraction and the importance of close supervision at public attractions, especially those involving wild animals. It also raises questions about zoo safety protocols and the balance between accessibility and protection for visitors.

The details

According to the police report, the parents walked 25-30 feet away from the child to sit on benches and became distracted by their phones. The toddler then slipped through a small opening in a wooden barrier and reached the metal fence surrounding the gray wolf enclosure. One of the wolves instinctively grabbed the child's hand with its mouth, but bystanders intervened and helped pull the child away. The zoo stated that the wolf's response was consistent with natural animal behavior and not a sign of aggression, and that the child was never inside the wolf's enclosure.

  • The incident occurred over the weekend at ZooAmerica in Hershey, Pennsylvania.
  • The parents, Carrie B. Sortor, 43, and Stephen J.B. Wilson, 61, are awaiting a preliminary hearing on April 28.

The players

Carrie B. Sortor

A 43-year-old parent from Lititz, Pennsylvania, who has been charged with endangering the welfare of children.

Stephen J.B. Wilson

A 61-year-old parent from Lititz, Pennsylvania, who has been charged with endangering the welfare of children.

ZooAmerica

A zoo located within the larger Hersheypark theme park in Hershey, Pennsylvania, that is home to three gray wolves: a male named Twister and two female sisters, Hazel and Freya.

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What they’re saying

“From the injuries sustained, it appears as though one of the wolves in the enclosure instinctively and naturally grabbed onto the child's hand with its mouth. Several bystanders intervened and helped pull the child away.”

— Derry Township Police Department

“Our habitats are designed with multiple layers of protection, and clear signage and barriers are in place to help ensure safe viewing. Guests are expected to remain within designated areas and closely supervise children at all times. The child was never inside the wolf's enclosure, and we are relieved the injuries were minor.”

— ZooAmerica

What’s next

The parents, Carrie B. Sortor and Stephen J.B. Wilson, are awaiting a preliminary hearing on April 28 regarding the charges of endangering the welfare of children.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a stark reminder for parents to remain vigilant and attentive when visiting public attractions, especially those involving wild animals. It highlights the need for enhanced safety protocols and visitor education to prevent similar accidents in the future.